The British Museum was founded in the mid 18th century and was the first national public museum in the world.   Started by Sir Hans Sloan, it is home to a massive collection that is vast in both breadth and depth with over eight million objects spanning the history of the world's culture.  Showcasing many natural specimens and early tools, the most fascinating aspect of the British Museum's collection for me was the similarities between cultures.  I focused specifically on the way different civilizations used metal to make both tools, weapons and jewelry as well as the importance they put on these material objects showcased by their inclusion in burial rituals.